Chinese apps like TikTok and WeChat could still face bans or subpoenas over data practices in US
- US President Joe Biden’s executive order replacing the TikTok and WeChat bans could force more Chinese apps to better protect personal data
- The US commerce secretary will decide which apps meeting specific criteria, such as having links to the military of a foreign adversary, will be targeted
The goal is to keep foreign adversaries like China and Russia from gaining access to large amounts of personal and proprietary business information.
The US Department of Commerce may issue subpoenas to collect information about certain smartphone, tablet and desktop computer software applications. Then the agency may negotiate conditions for their use in the United States or ban the apps, according to people familiar with the matter.
While the new order does not name companies, it could end up capturing more apps than the Trump bans and hold up better if challenged in court. Reuters is the first to report details on how the Biden administration plans to implement the order, including seeking support from other countries.
US officials have begun speaking with allies about adopting a similar approach, one source said. The hope is that partner countries will agree on apps that should be banned.
